Indian businessman set to pick up Rovers

Blackburn Rovers who have long struggled to keep their heads above water in the Premier League are reported to be the subject of a £300m takeover bid by a Indian businessman.

Ahasan Ali Syed, the head of investment firm Western Gulf, which is based in Bahrain and Switzerland, has made an approach to the club's advisers, Rothchilds, with a view to buying Rovers, clearing their debts and giving manager Sam Allardyce the funds to bring in new players.

Rothchilds has alerted the trustees of the late Jack Walker's estate, who still have a huge influence on the club.

Syed, 36, is the sole heir to the family business which has its origins in the East India Company.

He is understood to have singled out Blackburn because of their potential for growth. He wants a deal to be agreed this month and the sale completed in September.

Earlier this summer, another bid from India tabled a £25m bid, offering to tap into Blackburn's large Asian population.

Benitez brushes off inter defeat

TORONTO: Inter Milan coach Rafael Benitez's past returned to haunt him as his side lost 3-2 to Panathinaikos in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, but the Spaniard preferred to focus on the challenges ahead rather than dwell on defeat.

Two goals from striker Djibril Cisse and one from winger Sebastian Leto, both sold by Benitez when he was in charge of Liverpool, were enough to give the Greek double winners a well deserved win. "There are going to be highs and lows because this is the beginning of the season,” Benitez told reporters.

Torres to stay at Anfield

Liverpool: Liverpool's preparations for the new season were given a huge boost today when Fernando Torres announced that he had decided to stay at the club, rejecting the possibility of a £70m move to Chelsea or Manchester City.

Having followed Steven Gerrard in committing himself to the new manager Roy Hodgson's plans, Torres immediately set his sights on helping a club who finished seventh last season mount an authentic title challenge.

"I know that one trophy here at Liverpool - maybe the Premier League - means more than three or four with another club," the Spain striker said. “My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day.”